'Narnia' outselling 'Kong'

"King Kong" has been a cinematic brute, ringing up $177 million in ticket sales in its first three weeks of business. But it hasn't been the box-office king that was expected during the highly profitable holiday-movie season.

Instead, that crown rests on "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the fantasy-adventure based on author C.S. Lewis' popular novel.

So far, "Narnia" has amassed $228 million, putting it $50 million ahead of "Kong," which opened a week later. And last weekend, "Narnia" managed to wrest the No. 1 spot away from "Kong" (albeit in a close race, "Narnia's" $33.7 million to "Kong's" $31.8 million).

Part of the success of "Narnia" surely has to do with the efforts of Christian churches that have been urging moviegoers to see the film, since it features some strong religious themes beneath the surface.

Similar efforts by church groups in 2004 helped propel "The Passion of the Christ" to third place for that year, with $370 million.

But there are other reasons "Narnia" is beating out "Kong." For one thing, "Kong" is playing in fewer theaters and on fewer screens and is hampered by its three hours-plus running time; theaters can't show the film as many times per day as the shorter "Narnia."

This cinematic clash of titans will continue throughout the early part of 2006, since most of the films opening in January aren't really expected to pose much of a threat to "Narnia" or "Kong."

And don't feel too sorry for filmmaker Peter Jackson's giant ape. "Kong" has already made $400 million worldwide and is well on its way to recouping the reported $200 million-plus production budget and promotional costs.

AND THEY REALLY ARE TITANS. Both films are also climbing their way up the year-end box-office charts, since both opened during the 2005 calendar year.

Right now, "Narnia" sits at No. 4 and looks like a sure bet to knock off "War of the Worlds" (currently at No. 3, with $234 million). And it may have enough power to overtake the current No. 2 movie, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" ($278 million).

No. 1, "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith" ($380 million), however, is probably out of reach.

"Kong" is currently at No. 11, putting it within easy striking distance of "Hitch" (No. 10, $179 million), "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (No. 9, $186 million), "Madagascar" (No. 8, $193 million).

And maybe even "Batman Begins" (No. 7, $205 million), "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (No. 6, $206 million) and "Wedding Crashers" (No. 7, $209 million).